The Theater: The Comic Spirit

In her very first try at the stage, when she was a college freshman,
Rosalind Russell confidently expected and got the leading role. Cast as
St. Francis Xavier, she was required in one scene to whip herself with
a knotted rope. She performed the act with such energy and realism that
"they all cried and I was invited to do more plays." She adds: "It was
marvelousyou got excused from everything."

This first triumph was marked by three characteristics which have guided
Rosalind Russell's theatrical career ever since. She has 1) bubbling
confidence, 2)...